Taos County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Taos Ski Valley is an unincorporated village within Taos County, located approximately 20 miles northeast of the Town of Taos at the end of NM State Road 150 in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at elevations ranging from approximately 9,200 to over 12,000 feet. Not an incorporated municipality; building permits issued by Taos County LUA. Taos Ski Valley has an active Village Council and Planning Department that work in coordination with Taos County LUA, but formal building permit authority rests with county LUA. Ski mountain operations occur primarily on US Forest Service land (Carson National Forest) under Special Use Permit (SUP) from Forest Service.

Department

Taos County Land Use Administration (LUA)

Address

105 Albright Street, Suite F, Taos, NM 87571

Phone

575-737-6340

Email

land_use@taoscounty.org

Website

https://www.taoscounty.org/government/departments/land_use_administration/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Same as Taos County unincorporated area process (see unincorporated county jurisdiction).
2. For projects in or adjacent to ski area, coordinate with Taos Ski Valley operations regarding utility access, snow removal, and resort infrastructure.
3. High-elevation sites require PE-stamped structural drawings.
4. Any utility trenching or work in NM State Road 150 right-of-way requires NMDOT utility permit; contact NMDOT District 5 at 575-758-3658.
5. For Forest Service permitted infrastructure, contact Carson National Forest at 575-758-6200.

Typical processing time: 2-6 weeks for standard residential; 8-12 weeks for commercial or complex projects. Road access affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months.

Source: Taos County Land Use Administration (LUA)

General Requirements

Same as Taos County unincorporated areas.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Proof of property ownership
• Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, utilities
• Construction drawings
• Foundation design
• Energy compliance documentation
• Contractor CID license and certificate of insurance
• Owner-builder affidavit if applicable

Permit validity

Permits valid for 12 months from issuance.

Building code

2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (14.5.2 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (14.5.3 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code (14.5.5 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code.

Owner-builder

Allowed per 14.5.2.18 NMAC.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold valid NM CID license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

65% of permit fee

Permit fee formula

Same as Taos County LUA fee schedule (valuation-based tiered formula)

Reinspection fee

$50-$75 per re-inspection

Payment note

Same as Taos County. State CID surcharge approximately 1.5%.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Same exemptions as Taos County (portable structures under 200 sq ft, cosmetic repairs, etc.)

Important: Confirm with Taos County LUA.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 575-737-6340 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24-48 hours in advance. Road access to Taos Ski Valley can be affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months; plan inspection scheduling accordingly.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time); closed state and federal holidays

Typical inspection sequence: Standard NM sequence. Inspectors traveling to high-elevation sites may face weather-related delays. CID Electrical Bureau conducts electrical permits and inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (14.5.2 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (14.5.3 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code (14.5.5 NMAC), 2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code.
• Verify contractor license: NM Construction Industries Division (CID)
• License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Taos County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM?

Same as Taos County unincorporated areas.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Taos County, NM?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Same as Taos County LUA fee schedule (valuation-based tiered formula). Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM?

1. Same as Taos County unincorporated area process (see unincorporated county jurisdiction). 2. For projects in or adjacent to ski area, coordinate with Taos Ski Valley operations regarding utility access, snow removal, and resort infrastructure. 3. High-elevation sites require PE-stamped structural drawings. 4. Any utility trenching or work in NM State Road 150 right-of-way requires NMDOT utility permit; contact NMDOT District 5 at 575-758-3658. 5. For Forest Service permitted infrastructure, contact Carson National Forest at 575-758-6200.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Taos County, NM?

Typical processing time is 2-6 weeks for standard residential; 8-12 weeks for commercial or complex projects. Road access affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Taos County, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: Same exemptions as Taos County (portable structures under 200 sq ft, cosmetic repairs, etc.). Note: Confirm with Taos County LUA.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Taos County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 575-737-6340. 24-48 hours in advance. Road access to Taos Ski Valley can be affected by snow and avalanche closures during winter months; plan inspection scheduling accordingly..